Time Management Tips

Have you ever tried to manage your time and been successful in your quest? Most of us would say no. Time has a way of slipping through our hands just like fine grains of sand. The best advice ever given is the idea of not managing one’s time but managing one’s priorities. If you’re constantly trying to manage a moving target (time) and you’re a busy person to begin with, you may end up with a balanced day but there’s no guarantee you’ll have added any more effectiveness to your day.

What we look for within time management most likely is not only balance but also efficiency and effectiveness. By focusing on your priorities (what’s most important rather than what’s urgent) you’ll add effectiveness and efficiency to your day. The first and most effective step you can take is to begin each day with a list of what you need (and want) to accomplish. Then categorize each task by writing a letter next to it (A, B, C, D or E – See chart below):

   A)  Must be done today
   B)  I’d like to do today but it can wait until tomorrow
   C)  Need to do it this week
   D)  Delegate the task
   E)  Eliminate the task

After you’ve categorized your tasks go back and label them with a number in order of priority (i.e. A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3). Don’t forget to keep your Dreams and Goals in mind when planning your day. Try to leave time to do five things a day to help you move closer to accomplishing your goals and realizing your dreams!